Get dental fillings in Plano, Texas with the experienced and compassionate Dr. Wilhite.
If you are in need of a dental filling, Dr. Wilhite and his team are happy to assist. We use natural looking, tooth colored fillings.
These fillings are also known as composite fillings because they are made of composite resin. This is the same material used in some dental crowns.
Composite dental fillings are safe, effective, affordable, and look completely natural.
Call for an appointment: (972) 964-3774
Why Should I Get Composite Dental Fillings?
Tooth colored fillings have many advantages over traditional metal fillings.
- They are very natural in appearance. Composite dental fillings are matched to your tooth color to allow for a seamless match. They are incredibly unnoticeable. For this reason, they are also ideal fillings for front teeth or teeth that show when you smile. In comparison, metal fillings are very detracting from a beautiful smile.
- Composite fillings are not affected by temperature changes. This is advantageous because they will not expand and contract, like metal fillings. After much expansion and contraction, metal fillings tend to fall out and need to be replaced.
- They require less tooth structure to be removed before placing them in your mouth. Dr. Wilhite knows how important it is to preserve your natural teeth, so he always uses composite fillings.
- Composite fillings are made of completely safe materials that bond to your teeth. This means your beautiful smile can last for years to come, with proper care.
How to Maintain Your Composite Fillings?
Dr. Wilhite (and the American Dental Association) encourages his patients to follow the best oral hygiene practices, which will help maintain composite fillings and extend their lifespan. You should ideally visit our dental office twice a year for oral exams and professional dental cleanings. These dental cleanings serve as an additional preventive measure to your regular brushing and flossing that will help keep your oral health and your composite dental fillings in good condition.
With the aid of specialized dental tools, it is possible to scrape any tartar or plaque formation and eliminate harmful bacteria deposits from the tooth surface. The dental cleaning process culminates with polishing to give a bright and natural looking finish to your teeth.
During your periodic visit to our office for a dental exam, we will also examine and analyze the present state of your composite fillings. Whenever you feel that something might be wrong with your composite filling, do not hesitate to make an appointment with our office. Dr. Wilhite will be able to identify whether the filling is still firmly in place or whether it has become worn out. When necessary, Dr. Wilhite will replace your composite resin filling or recommend other dental restorations, depending on the condition of your existing teeth and your personal needs. Again, you should visit your dentist regularly twice a year for the best maintenance of your dental health.
How to Know that You Need a Composite Filling?
Cavities
During your visit to our dental office for a periodic oral health exam, we will able to check whether a cavity is forming in any of your teeth. Cavities create tiny holes and eventually destroy the teeth if left untreated. As the cavity continues to increase in size, it will trap more harmful bacteria and lead to dental caries (tooth decay) and tooth loss. This can be prevented by filling the cavity with a composite material when the hole is still small and the damage can be controlled without any significantly invasive dental procedure.
Toothache or Tooth Sensitivity
If you experience pain in the tooth, it is one of the most obvious signs that the affected tooth might be decaying. A cavity can also make your tooth more sensitive to cold or hot foods or drinks. Whenever you experience toothache or sensitivity in one or more teeth, it is time to make an appointment with our office for a professional evaluation. If we find a small or moderately sized dental cavity, we may recommend you to have it fixed with a composite filling.
Bleeding Gums
When you are brushing your teeth or otherwise and you notice mild bleeding in the gum tissue, it is a sign of gum disease or gingivitis. If the condition is ignored, it may worsen into periodontal disease which can cause serious damage to your gums and teeth. The chances of a dental cavity are higher when you have bleeding gums. You might require a composite filling in addition to treatment for gingivitis in order to restore your oral health.
Bad Breath
Bad breath from the mouth is not exactly a definitive sign that you require a dental filling, but a persistent condition of bad breath may indicate an underlying oral health condition. In many cases, bad breath or halitosis may be related to oral cavities. Therefore, do not ignore bad breath and schedule an appointment with Dr. Wilhite to determine whether you require tooth colored fillings for the cavity.
Are Composite Fillings Long Lasting?
Quality composite dental fillings that are applied properly are expected to last for several years. Dr. Wilhite’s patients report highly satisfactory and long-term results with their dental fillings. However, the actual duration of how long a filling may last will vary between patients. The longevity of your composite filling will also depend on a few factors, such as:
- What type of composite resin fillings have been used and how it was applied.
- How committed you are about maintaining good oral hygiene practices.
- Location of the filling (which specific tooth has the filling in it) – teeth that sustain greater stress due to chewing may contribute to the filling wearing out relatively faster.
- Whether you have bruxism (which has been left untreated) or the habit of nail biting.
- Whether you have developed a tooth infection and sharp pain due to other causes or suffered tooth trauma, which has necessitated root canal therapy.
- What kind of diet do you regularly eat.
High-Quality Composite Dental Fillings in Plano, TX
Dr. Wilhite can treat your cavities and other tooth issues with dental fillings. To learn more about new fillings and the latest cosmetic dentistry options to restore healthy teeth, the original shape of the teeth, and a natural appearance, make an appointment by completing this form – or give us a call at (972) 964-3774.
